Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the technology industry. Born in Taiwan and raised in the United States, Huang's path to the top of one of the world's most valuable companies is a story of determination, innovation and strategic vision.
Huang moved to the United States at the age of nine and faced numerous challenges, including cultural adjustment and bullying. His early resilience laid the foundation for his later success. He graduated from Oregon State College and went on to earn a master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford College. Before founding Nvidia, Huang worked at LSI Logic and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), where he gained invaluable experience in the semiconductor industry.
Nvidia
In 1993, Huang co-founded Nvidia with Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem with the vision of revolutionizing computer graphics. Starting with a modest investment and humble office space, Nvidia quickly became a pioneer in the development of graphics processing units (GPUs), which are essential for rendering 3D graphics in video games. The company's breakthrough came with the release of the Riva TNT chip, which established Nvidia as the industry leader.
Huang's leadership style is characterized by his hands-on approach and relentless pursuit of innovation. He is known for tackling problems immediately, prioritizing creativity over formal qualifications and fostering a dynamic work environment. Huang's daily routine includes early morning exercise and long working hours, reflecting his commitment to the success of the company. He is also known for his distinctive style. He is often seen wearing leather jackets and sporting a large tribal tattoo of the Nvidia logo.
Under Huang's leadership, Nvidia has expanded its focus beyond gaming to become a major player in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The company's GPUs are now an integral part of AI applications, driving advances in machine learning and deep learning. Nvidia's market value recently surpassed the $3 trillion mark, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world and underscoring its central role in the technology industry.
Huang is not only a tech visionary, but also a compassionate leader and philanthropist. He is an active advocate for education in science and technology and has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to the industry, including being named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2021 and 2024. Despite his success, Huang remains down-to-earth and often reflects on his humble beginnings and the importance of family and community.
